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Wax stains can be very difficult to remove, especially from upholstery. Luckily, there are several methods that can be used to remove the wax. Begin by cooling the wax, removing the excess wax, and then transferring the wax to a paper bag using heat.

Steps

Method1

Removing Excess Wax

1

Allow the wax to dry. If you start removing the wax before it has completely dried, you might smear the wax and make it more difficult to remove.[1]

2

Ice the wax. Once the wax is dry, chill it using ice. Add a few ice cubes in a plastic sandwich bag and apply it to the surface of the wax. Chilling the wax will cause it to become brittle and easier to chip away.[2]

If the wax is on a pillow or removable fabric, consider putting the fabric in the freezer for better results.

3

Scrape off the wax. Using a butter knife, gently scrape the excess wax off of the fabric. Be careful to not use too much force as you could damage the fabric. You probably will not be able to remove all of the wax from the upholstery at this time.

Method2

Using an Iron

1

Warm up an iron. Plug in a clothes iron and let it warm up to a medium heat setting. Read the fabric’s label to ensure that the fabric is iron safe. If the fabric does not have a label, test the iron on a small, inconspicuous spot before applying the heat to a larger area.[3]

2

Place a brown paper bag over the wax. Iron the brown paper bag. The iron will begin to melt the wax and transfer it from the fabric to the paper bag.[4]

A clean rag can be used in place of a paper bag; however, the wax is likely to remain on the cloth after washing.

Be careful to use a paper bag without any writing. The ink from the print will transfer and stain the upholstery. If you use a paper bag from a store with a label, cut the label off of the bag before use.

3

Repeat several times. Move the paper bag and repeat the process until all of the wax has transferred from the upholstery to the bag.[5]

4

Remove any stains. Use an upholstery or carpet cleaner to remove any residual stains after the wax is lifted. Spray the stain and let the cleaner sit for one minute. Then, carefully blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.[6]

Method3

Using Alternative Methods

1

Heat the stain with a hairdryer. If you do not have an iron available, a hairdryer can have the same effect. Use the hairdryer to melt the wax and then carefully lay the brown paper bag on top of the wax. The paper bag will begin to absorb the warm wax. Repeat the process until all of the wax has been transferred.[7]

Use a blank paper bag or clean rag for this method as well.

2

Apply WD-40. WD-40 breaks down the wax and makes it softer and easier to clean off of upholstery. Gently scrub the solution into the fabric and wipe away with a clean rag or sponge. Use warm water to clean the solution from the fabric once all of the wax is removed.[8]

Test the WD-40 on an inconspicuous portion of the fabric before using it on a more noticeable section.

3

Use dish detergent. Combine the dish detergent with warm water in a small container. Dish detergent is designed to break down grease and, in some cases, can break down the wax. Gently scrub the wax with a clean sponge or rag and then let dry.[9]

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This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 9 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.

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Co-Authored By:

wikiHow Staff Editor

Co-authors: 6

Updated:

Views: 118,195

88% of readers found this article helpful.

47 votes - 88%

Click a star to add your vote

88% of people told us that this article helped them.

NW

Nena Winter

Nov 30, 2018

"Amazing how well this worked! We had a wax candle spill all down a fabric chair at our local wedding venue. I wish that I had taken before and after pictures, as I couldn't believe my eyes when I removed the paper towel!"..." more

RE

Ruth Echols

Nov 11, 2016

"My problem was different. I had a fair amount of spilled wax my stereo speakers, which are cloth and wood. After reading your article, I knew I couldn't use an iron to remove the wax. I did have a small clothes steamer, and I used it. Thanks for your advice."..." more

BD

Bob Down

Jan 19, 2018

"Mineral turpentine and dish detergent in warm water cleaned all the wax off our leather couch. Try the turpentine on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn't harm your leather (it didn't harm ours), then wash it off with the detergent."..." more

BC

B. C.

Nov 7, 2016

"This was great! I scraped the wax, placed the paper towel over the wax, then put the warm iron on top. It worked the very first time, there was no need for a second application. I didn't have to use the detergent."..." more

KS

Kurt Springer

Oct 12, 2016

"The dry cleaning solvent finish is a new step in an old process (good). The paper bag is also a refinement! This works well, just go slow and steady, don't force it!"..." more

PB

Pat Brown

Mar 30, 2017

"Let the wax dry. Used a hair dryer to get hot then wiped off. Easier than the directions from the other sites. "

BR

Bryn Rounds

Oct 17, 2016

"This was so helpful. Wax came right off of my fabric couch cushions! Very happy with the result."